Tipping in Portugal: DOs & DON’Ts
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Do You Tip In Portugal? Here’s a guide on NOT being an asshole tourist in this lovely country. 🤩
Leaving a tip in the USA, and even around the world, is a universal sign of appreciation – and, at least in the States, is expected. However, there are certain countries where tipping customs are NOT like back home, leading to confusion about whether your tips are seen as a sign of appreciation or rudeness (and ignorance).
So what about tipping in Portugal, the country I find myself visiting the most? In Portugal, tipping is seen as a gesture of appreciation for excellent service, but it is not mandatory or included in the bill. If you are satisfied with the service you received at a restaurant, it is common to leave a small tip. Usually, people round up the bill with a few €1 or €2 coins.
👉 BOTTOM LINE: It is not in the Portuguese culture or custom to tip – so the locals usually don’t tip. When they do, it is for exceptional service, and they will round up the bill or tip around 5% to 10% tops.
How Much Do You Tip In Portugal?
Portugal is such an easygoing country, and the people are so nice that there is no need to stress out over tipping. Here are some common scenarios and how to handle them when it comes to tipping, gratuities, and appreciation.
Restaurants & Bars
As I mentioned before, it is not mandatory to tip – so if you have good service and you don’t tip, no Portuguese will think poorly of you.
That being said, if you’re inclined to leave a gratuity, the principle in Portugal is usually to round up the bill. So if your tab is €47, you can leave €50 and say, “keep the change“, that works well!
Most coffee spots and little bakeries for the famous pasteis de nata will have a little tip jar somewhere – just drop a few of your smaller coins in there (the 20 cent Euros up to 1 Euro is great).
PRO TIP: When you are tipping in Portugal, don’t use the smallest coins like the €0.01 and €0.05 – those are pretty much worthless, and nobody wants them. Plus it’s considered rude, like you’re dumping unwanted change.
Tours
If you go on an awesome tour, especially in the bigger cities like Lisbon or Porto, it’s nice to leave a tip – again, a small appreciation like €1 to €5.
Taxis
No need to tip the taxi driver – especially as it’s hard to say if he’s doing a good job or not driving you around. Just round up the cost to the most reasonable number, so neither you nor the taxi driver ends up with unwanted small change.
I use Uber in Portugal in the bigger cities and towns where it operates, and the prices are lower than taxis.
Is Tipping Expected In Portugal?
No, tipping is not expected in Portugal, and no Portuguese will find you rude if you don’t leave a tip.
What Is The Customary Tip In Portugal?
Again, if you feel like showing your appreciation for wonderful service or meal, you can round up the bill or tip about 5-10% tops. That’s what the Portuguese do.
How Do You Tip When Paying With A Card?
Paying with a card is normal in Portugal, but leaving a tip on the card is usually impossible with the little POS (point of sale, ie, the little machine they come out with to insert your card.)
This is why you should carry cash with you. This way, if you want to tip, you can leave a €5 on the table if you want to leave a gratuity.
Do’s & Don’t’s: Tipping In Portugal
Here are some basic do’s and don’ts about tipping in Portugal so you don’t get misunderstood when it comes to gratuity.
✅ Do tip if the service is excellent in a restaurant!
Use the “keep the change method” or round up the bill. This can be about 5 – 10%.
❌ Don’t use the smallest coins (like the €0.01 to €0.05)
This looks like you’re discarding unwanted coins, and that’s considered rude.
❌ Don’t feel you have to tip!
No need to stress about this, as the locals usually don’t leave a tip. Also, in most restaurants or cafes, I’m not even sure if the employees get the keep the tip.
Conclusion: Portugal Tipping
It is not in the Portuguese culture or custom to tip. When locals do tip, it is for exceptional service, and they will round up the bill or tip around 5% to 10% tops. So do as the locals do and round up the bill, pay attention to how you tip (use the do’s and don’ts above), and just ask a local or the waiter if you’re unsure.
